Thasaporn Naklo of Thailand was crowned the Future Stars Under-14 champion, overcoming Yuki Ando of Japan 5-7, 6-3, 10-4 to emerge the best in her age group in the Asia-Pacific at the Singapore Indoor Stadium centre court, on Oct 20, 2014. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is expanding its Future Stars tournament to 18 countries this year - up from the 12 in last year's inaugural edition. -- PHOTO: ST FILE

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) is expanding its Future Stars tournament to 18 countries this year - up from the 12 in last year's inaugural edition.

Held alongside the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore, the tournament will feature the top girls in the Under-14 and Under-16 age categories from countries in the Asia-Pacific region to compete during the Finals.

Said Melissa Pine, tournament director of the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global: "The WTA Future Stars initiative had a phenomenal kick-off in 2014, with a fantastic turnout of young and talented girls throughout the region.

"This expansion across 18 countries in Asia-Pacific shows our commitment to give back to the community through tennis, and present the star of tomorrow on a global stage."

The Straits Times

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